After spending much of his childhood singing with his two older brothers, Rudy, the youngest, born in 1952 went on to attend Texas Tech in Lubbock where he graduated with a B.A. in business administration. Steve also attended Texas Tech, where he received an elementary education degree, later teaching in the Lubbock Independent School system. Larry went to the University of Houston on a football scholarship and majored in English, developing "a love affair with the English language" that later served him in his songwriting.

Larry was touring the small club and listening room circuit as a solo act, while Steve and Rudy were finishing college. Gatlin was becoming known throughout the Nashville music Industry and looked forward to the time when he could afford to expand his live show to include his brothers.

Steve and Rudy spent some time along with their sister LaDonna singing backup for Tammy Wynette, a gig that led them to Nashville as well. Shortly after moving the Brothers recorded their grammy winning hit "Broken Lady." Even though they were not touring together, that soon changed, opportunity knocked allowing them to join forces recording hit after hit.

In December of 1992, The Gatlin Brothers played their farewell concert, leaving the door open to new opportunities for each of them. Larry took the lead role in the Tony award winning best musical "The Will Rogers Follies." Steve oversaw 3 major production shows, recorded 2 CD's, one big band swing, one Gospel, and a children's CD soon to be released. He has also spoken at churches and various events sharing his life experience's, focusing on his recovery from clinical depression.

Rudy has appeared as Curly, the lead role in "Oklahoma," for Broadway Branson USA Productions, and appeared in the starring role as Frank Butler in "Annie Get Your Gun."

Rudy's and Steve's full participation in the recording of the "Larry Gatlin, Family' and Friends" LP was the turning point that eventually led to the reformation of the Gatlin Brothers as a band. Steve has produced 3 Christmas CD's for the Brothers, the latest release in 2002. Rudy manages the brothers many special projects, one of which is the use of their celebrity name for charitable endeavors. Over the years they have helped raise millions of dollars for worthy causes through their love of golf.

This is, of course, the short and sweet version of The Gatlins' life in music. For those who want to know even more, Larry has a new book out "All the Gold in California," and is currently touring the country promoting it. Visit www.gatlinbrothers.com and find out more about their music, past present and future.

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlins play the Villages June 18. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Lawn seats are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Showtime is 9 p.m. with an opening act at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. For more information visit www.amphitheater.com . or phone 770-461-6029.

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